Article Summary
This article explores PFAS ("forever chemicals") in the news amid EPA rollbacks, along with the wide-ranging health impacts of these persistent compounds, including a newly discovered link to multiple sclerosis in women. Key topics include: what PFAS are and where they're commonly found; the EPA's recent rollback of PFAS drinking water and agricultural protections; documented health impacts including obesity, cancer risk, immune dysfunction, delayed puberty, and liver damage; new research connecting PFAS exposure to increased MS risk specifically in women; and herbal support options for immune resilience and liver detoxification. Herbal formulations referenced include Nicole's Apothecary Mushroom FOURtress Bundle and Liver Blend, developed by Nicole Apelian, PhD and available at nicolesapothecary.com.
'Forever Chemicals' Are Back in the News, Here's Why It Matters
PFAS (or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as 'forever chemicals') are in the news again as the EPA rolls back several protections to raise the allowable limits of the compounds in drinking water and the use of PFAS-contaminated sludge as fertilizer for crops.[ 5 ]5. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Draft Guidance for Reducing Risk from Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) in Biosolids." July 1, 2026. PFAS chemicals are used in a variety of everyday products and are known to alter metabolism and raise the risk of obesity; increase the risk of cancer; impact the immune system so that it's less effective in fighting infections; and more.[ 1 ]1. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)." And now, new research has linked PFAS to an increased risk of MS in women.
What Are PFAS?
A large and complex group of synthetic chemicals developed in the 1930s, PFAS are often used in common products that you will likely recognize: non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and shoes; stain-resistant carpets, furniture, and fabrics; along with firefighting foam. The compounds can even be found in smartwatch wristbands. They are used in aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronic industries as well. Many times, PFAS find their way into our water supply. Due to their chemical structure, they do not break down readily in the environment, or in you. They can persist in the environment for decades or more. In fact, PFAS are so pervasive in our environment that studies have shown that up to 97% of the US population has accumulated PFAS in their blood.[ 1 ]1. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)."
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The Health Impacts of ‘Forever Chemicals’
Beyond the conditions listed above, PFAS have also been shown to delay the onset of puberty in girls, which can lead to poor long-term outcomes, such as a higher risk of breast cancer, renal disease, and thyroid disease[ 3 ]3. Pinney SM, Fassler CS, Windham GC, Herrick RL, Xie C, Kushi LH, Biro FM. "Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Associations with Pubertal Onset and Serum Reproductive Hormones in a Longitudinal Study of Young Girls in Greater Cincinnati and the San Francisco Bay Area." Environmental Health Perspectives. 2023;131(9):097009.; decreased bone mineral density, leading to osteoporosis and other bone diseases[ 2 ]2. Beglarian, Emily et al. "Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and longitudinal changes in bone mineral density in adolescents and young adults: A multi-cohort study." Environmental Research 244 (2024): 117611.; increased risk of type II diabetes in women[ 4 ]4. Sun, Qi et al. "Plasma Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Investigation among U.S. Women." Environmental Health Perspectives 126,3 037001. 1 Mar. 2018.; and liver damage that causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.[ 1 ]1. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)."
PFAS Found to Increase MS Risk in Women
Moreover, a new study published in Environmental Research discovered that these same chemicals are consistently elevated in women with multiple sclerosis.[ 7 ]7. Briggs FBS, Montini F, Spurlock CF III, et al. "Associations between perfluoroalkyl substances and multiple sclerosis in U.S. cohorts compared with NMOSD, MOGAD, and healthy controls." Environmental Research. 2026;303:124763. While the researchers are quick to point out these findings do not prove PFAS exposure causes MS, they do believe there is an association with higher levels in the bloodstream and the disease.
Curiously, a link was only observed in women, and the strongest association was with perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), which is only one of thousands of PFAS compounds. Among the male test subjects, the team described the link as "imprecise". The study involved 439 US participants whose blood samples were analyzed to establish levels of PFHxS, PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) 'forever chemicals'. Those with the highest levels of PFHxS were 3.5 times more likely to have MS than those with the lowest levels. Participants with the highest PFOA levels were about 2.5 more likely to have the disease.
Dr. David Hafler, a professor of neurology and immunobiology at Yale University, who was not involved with the study, notes that it's well known MS is "caused by the interactions of now over 260 genetic variants interacting with the environment, including vitamin D, smoking, high BMI, high salt." He adds there is also "compelling evidence that the [Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)] triggers the disease in genetically susceptible individuals."[ 6 ]6. Jasmine Laws. "Forever chemicals linked to MS in women, study suggests." Newsweek, June 22, 2026. He believes this latest research is adding yet another element that raises the risk of MS.
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The Takeaway
Living with MS has taught me how much our environment plays a role in health — and this research is a sobering reminder of that truth. ‘Forever chemicals’ are nearly impossible to avoid entirely in our modern world, but we can take steps to protect and fortify ourselves. This is why supporting your natural resilience is important now more than ever through immune balance, gut health, and consistent detoxification. Nicole’s Apothecary Mushroom FOURtress Bundle and Liver Blend can help.
Your gut and liver are the foundation of health — give them the support they deserve. Nicole's Apothecary Balanced Gut Blend restores gut and microbiome health, while our Liver Blend supports healthy liver function and natural detoxification. Learn More Here.
Nicole Apelian
Actions Steps & FAQs
Action Steps
- Prioritize dietary balance rather than eliminating entire food groups or nutrients.
- Include fiber-rich whole foods to support a diverse, thriving gut microbiome.
- Add fermented foods to help maintain healthy levels of beneficial bacteria.
- Maintain consistent meal timing to support glucose regulation and metabolism.
- Consider an extra level of support with Nicole's Apothecary Balanced Gut Blend and Liver Blend.
FAQ
Does eliminating all sugar improve gut health?
Not necessarily. New research found that completely removing sucrose from a low-fat diet disrupted the gut microbiome, reducing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus murinus and increasing pro-inflammatory bacteria.
Can a zero-sugar or carnivore diet raise diabetes risk?
The study found that a sucrose-free diet led to impaired glucose control and reduced insulin sensitivity — both risk factors for type II diabetes — despite eliminating sugar entirely.
Is there a link between zero-sugar diets and fatty liver disease?
Yes. Researchers observed early warning signs of fatty liver disease and liver inflammation in the group following a completely sucrose-free diet.
Is balanced nutrition better than eliminating sugar completely?
According to the research, yes. Experts note that healthy eating depends on overall dietary patterns rather than eliminating a single nutrient or food group.
Nicole's Apothecary Products in this Post
Liver Blend Tincture
Mushroom FOURtress Bundle
- Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc
- Beglarian, Emily et al. “Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and longitudinal changes in bone mineral density in adolescents and young adults: A multi-cohort study.” Environmental research vol. 244 (2024): 117611. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2023.117611. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38061983/
- Pinney SM, Fassler CS, Windham GC, Herrick RL, Xie C, Kushi LH, Biro FM. "Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Associations with Pubertal Onset and Serum Reproductive Hormones in a Longitudinal Study of Young Girls in Greater Cincinnati and the San Francisco Bay Area." Environmental Health Perspectives. 2023;131(9):097009. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11811. https://pubs.acs.org/evhpaz/article/131/9/097009/5213306/Exposure-to-Perfluoroalkyl-Substances-and?searchresult=1
- Sun, Qi et al. “Plasma Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Investigation among U.S. Women.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 126,3 037001. 1 Mar. 2018, doi:10.1289/EHP2619. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29498927/
- Draft Guidance for Reducing Risk from Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) in Biosolids, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), July 1, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/biosolids/draft-guidance-reducing-risk-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-and-perfluorooctane-sulfonic
- "Forever chemicals linked to MS in women, study suggests" by Jasmine Laws, Newsweek, June 22, 2026. https://www.newsweek.com/forever-chemicals-linked-ms-women-12102322
- Briggs FBS, Montini F, Spurlock CF III, et al. "Associations between perfluoroalkyl substances and multiple sclerosis in U.S. cohorts compared with NMOSD, MOGAD, and healthy controls." Environmental Research. 2026;303:124763. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935126010947?via%3Dihub
